Lane Taylor Earns Starting Job With Packers

Former Oklahoma State offensive lineman Lane Taylor was named a starter by Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy.

A couple of good news items on the NFL front for Oklahoma State alumni after several were part of the cuts over the weekend as teams get down to the 53-man roster limit.

Michael Hunter still has a job in New York with the Giants as the rookie free agent cornerback that was released on Saturday was resigned Sunday to the New York Giants practice squad. Practice squad players cannot play in the games but they suit up and practice during the week. Practice squad player earn in the neighborhood of $120,000 a season.

The biggest news was in Green Bay where Packers head coach Mike McCarthy explained the Packers releasing a veteran guard that had started in Josh Sitton and the announcement that former Oklahoma State guard and Packer veteran backup Lane Taylor was promoted to starting left guard for the season.

“I have all the confidence in the world in Lane,” McCarthy said. “He’s earned this opportunity. I think he’s done a very good job, particularly in the run-blocking phase of his game. There are some things he needs game experience at, but that’s part of the leap when you make changes. With that, it’s an opportunity to grow."

Taylor has started several games in his career due to injuries but this is the first time he is listed as the season opening starter. The Packers open against Sunday in Jacksonville against the Jaguars.